Running to the Woods and Taking the Kids With You.

Have you ever wanted to get away from it all and let your kids know what life outside of the concrete jungle was like? Family hiking excursions are experiences that have a multitude of benefits and can be tailored to suit your needs.

A good hike is a memorable experience for kids who have grown up in the city. It allows them to be truly immersed in nature through the best possible medium, that is, their own eyes, ears, hands and feet. Even better, hiking is the easiest and least expensive outdoor recreation activity, so you don't have to sink big bucks into it in order to make it fun.

There are a number of health benefits from hiking, which anyone of any age can appreciate. The first and most obvious benefit is from the exercise. Hiking can help you shed pounds and develop muscle tone, especially in your legs, as you traverse the countryside. Depending on the terrain where you will be hiking, you can burn calories heading down ravines or up cliff sides. Hiking is also an insurance against heart disease; the aerobic exercise of scrambling all over the countryside is surprisingly good for you.

Another significant benefit is to your mental health. As much as you might think you need some time off, you certainly aren't alone! Just because your children aren't working 40 hours a week doesn't mean they necessarily have it easy and you can be sure that they'll appreciate the time away as much as you do.

Hikes are also customizable in that there's no set requirement for what needs to be done when. If a trail is seems too challenging or doesn't take things like past injuries or small children, you can simply find one that better suits your needs. For a family just starting out, a trail that is mostly flat and short is probably for the best. Hiking covers a wide variety of experiences, starting from a half-mile hike around a campground, to packing up your teenagers and taking on the Appalachian Trail.

The act of hiking causes a release of endorphins, as well as releasing adrenaline, which fuels your body's flight or flight response. If the adrenaline is not released, it can build up and make you feel tense and on-edge; essentially, your body is always wondering whether it should run and hide or take a swing. This can be even more exhausting than taking a long hike! A long hike can help you release that energy, leaving you pleasantly worn out and less concerned about the stress in your life. It won't make them go away, but good exercise and decent rest can really put things into perspective.

Remember, the next time you feel the need to cut loose and take a walk on the wild side, grab your hiking boots and trail mix and take the whole family with you!

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